Xiaomi prepares for Korean entry and expansion into more markets as it opens first retail store in Beijing

Xiaomi seems to be eyeing an entry into the Korean market as it has been linked with a variety of behind-the-scene activities. First, the company appointed a law firm in Korea and now the Chinese tech giant is trying to sound out views of its plans from start-ups across the country. This development, however, is not stopping the company's efforts to expand its business further as it opens its first retail store in China.

Last Sunday, industry sources said that Xiaomi hosted an event in Seoul on Sep. 11 to introduce the MIUI, the company's Android-based operating system accessible on Google Play. Local ICT start-ups were invited to the affair. MIUI is available in 156 countries and 32 different languages.

According to Business Korea, Xiaomi encouraged participants to create MIUI-based apps during the event. The company's move shows its intent to tailor its products and services according to the preferences of the Korean market. Xiaomi is seeing an increase of patrons from Korea via direct purchases in overseas websites. Experts did not note previously that Xiaomi appears to be changing its business interests, as it invests on more efforts to expand to markets other than China.

However, this does not mean the company has forgotten its homeland. Being the leading smartphone manufacturer and selling over 60 million units in the previous year, Xiaomi is working on improving its figures at home. It has expanded its business in its home country through a physical store in Beijing. While there are "experience" stores across China, the Beijing store will be the first to sell Xiaomi products directly. The new outlet is in Beijing Modern Plaza shopping centre, offering not just sales but also repair services, according to Android Headlines.

Xiaomi is poised to release a slew of new products soon including the Xiaomi Mi 5 but recent reports suggest there may be some delays in the release.

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